He additionally alleged that Moscow “sincerely” tried to implement the Minsk Accords it signed with Kyiv in 2014.
Learn additionally: Zelensky addresses the nation following Russia abandoning Minsk peace process
“We assumed we might have reached an settlement (with Ukraine), that Luhansk and Donetsk would by some means be capable of reunite with Ukraine, following the Minsk agreements,” Russian media outlet Smotri quotes Putin.
Learn additionally: Russia likely redeploying airborne forces from Kherson to Donbas, says UK intelligence
“We sincerely labored in direction of this objective, however we didn’t actually really feel the temper of native individuals… However now it’s apparent that this reunification (occupation and annexation of components of Donbas) ought to have occurred earlier – possibly then there wouldn’t have been so many casualties amongst civilians and kids. Effectively, at the very least it occurred finally.”
Learn additionally: Russia will likely redeploy some troops from Kherson to Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, says UK intelligence
After former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in 2014, Moscow moved to occupy and annex Crimea, adopted by an invasion of Donbas. When Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, he cited “defending the individuals of Donbas” as one of many goals of the navy marketing campaign.
After 9 months of the struggle, the Kremlin nonetheless falls in need of controlling your entire Donetsk Oblast. Heavy combating continues within the area.
Learn the unique article on The New Voice of Ukraine